The Serbian defender was sidelined with an ankle injury during preseason and missed the opening two fixtures of the team's Premier League campaign, part of a defensive shortage that saw midfielder Javi Garcia having to fill in at center back against Cardiff City.

However, Pellegrini has confirmed that the 20-year-old is available for selection against Steve Bruce's side at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

"Matija is available to play," the Chilean told the press. "I think Javi Garcia didn'’t do a bad job as he normally plays in midfield but it is Nastasic's natural position, so of course it is better we have him there.

"Nothing is new with Vincent [Kompany's injury]. [At the time] the doctor said it will be four to six weeks. Maybe next week we will see how he improves but less than one month is impossible. Micah [Richards] is not available for this game but I hope that next Monday we will start working normally with him."